We all need a "Quiet Place."

When was the last time you had to stop what you were doing in order to take some time alone to regain your focus? Or how often do you hear someone say, "I just need some peace and quiet?"

I am often amazed at how many things there are in life to steal our focus. We live in a time where almost everything that is created is designed to get our attention on some level or another. In fact, just recently I read an article about a State Highway Department that was trying to get a law passed making it illegal to have billboards beside roadways. The Highway Dept. had come to the conclusion that modern-day billboards positioned beside roadways had become too distracting to drivers because of their appeal. They argued that the billboards, with all of their graphics and glamour, were apt to draw the attention of the driver away from the road and to the advertisement of the billboard.

When I read this, I couldn't help but to compare it the Christian's life. Jesus is clear in Matthew's Gospel that straight is the way and narrow is the gate that leads to everlasting life. The enemy would love nothing more than to detour a Christian in their walk with Christ. As believers we must not be so absurd as to think that just because we are on the "straight and narrow" that we are immune to Satan's "billboards." I believe this is why it is vital to ensure that we have a "quiet place" where we can meet with the Lord.

Let me help you --- a quiet place is not your living room with the TV on, nor is it your vehicle with the stereo cranking full blast and it definitely isn't the bedroom with a cell phone ringing and beeping non-stop. A quiet place is simply that---quiet. When you study the life of Jesus often times you will find that He withdraws Himself from crowds and clutter to find a place where He can meet with God without distraction.

Now imagine living in the time of Jesus - where compared to our time, distractions are at a minimum, but still yet Jesus deems it important to have time alone with His Heavenly Father. How much more in this day and age should we assure that we are taking time to meet with Him in a quiet place?

I urge you to evaluate your day and ask yourself, "When did I meet with God...where was my quiet place?" Friend, if you realize that you have not been having a personal time with the Lord where there are no distractions then I challenge you to find time. Some people may find that by getting up an extra hour early in the mornings or staying up late an extra hour at night will give you that personal time. Whatever you decide, I know that you will not regret it. Be Blessed!